During the 2000-2009 decade, a. the economic freedom rating of the United States fell, but the growth rate of real GDP was more rapid than in recent decades. b. the economic freedom rating of the United States increased and the growth of real GDP was more rapid than that of recent decades. c. the economic freedom rating of the United States fell and the growth of real GDP was less rapid than that of recent decades. d. the economic freedom rating of the United States increased but the growth of real GDP was less rapid than that of recent decades.